Informal meetings are being held to discuss the future of an historic market.

Gravesham Borough Council (GBC) is looking to turn the 754-year-old venue into a thriving food and drink destination.

At the moment, there are seven permanent food traders but there are other units being held onto until a decision is made how best to make use of them.

The council launched a strategy for the borough market in 2020 to create a hub for the community and tourists to meet, shop, eat and drink while keeping its historic roots.

The space adjacent to the High Street is one of the oldest surviving markets in the country, having opened in 1268.

It used to have a bustling trade in the 1950s and 60s before the growth of supermarkets and online shopping took over.

In 2014, GBC refurbished the market building with the hope it would host a range of permanent traders, street food vendors and pop-up events.

It is now looking for advice to achieve its vision to create a thriving food scene, with traditional and themed market days and helping support new and small businesses.

The plans form part of the town's ongoing regeneration.

Across Kent, there are several food and farmers markets including in Faversham which holds a food event twice a month and offers a more traditional market through the week.

Canterbury also has a popular market which came under controversy after a decision was made to scatter traders across the city centre to create a more interesting and vibrant atmosphere.

Although some markets have been made into thriving community hubs, some have shut causing many to fear for their high street future, such as in Ramsgate.

And in places like Dartford, traders were hit by a lower footfall because of the pandemic but council support helped some stay on their feet.

GBC would like to hear from potential tenants and event organisers, community organisations and those with experience with food initiatives to help them improve its market.

You can email gravesend.market@gravesham.gov.uk to arrange a visit.